Man accused of killing officer held on $2.5M bail

HASTINGS – — The man charged with fatally shooting a Mendota Heights police officer is being held on at least $2.5 million bail.

Police said Brian Fitch Sr., 39, is accused of killing Officer Scott Patrick during a traffic stop July 30. Fitch had three warrants out for his arrest at the time.

The day before the shooting, Fitch told his ex-girlfriend that he was willing to use deadly force on police, according to court documents. The woman told investigators that Fitch sounded weird and angry when she spoke with him, the Star Tribune (http://strib.mn/1m18eki ) reported. She also said Fitch had been using methamphetamines every day.

Fitch faces life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

Fitch slumped in silence during a Friday hearing, and defense attorney Lauri Traub questioned whether he was coherent enough to understand the proceedings. She said he had recently taken pain medication.

But Judge Mary J. Theisen said she thought Fitch was aware of what was going on.

"I think it is his choice to be acting like this," Theisen said.

Prosecutor Phil Prokopowicz argued that bail should be set at $3 million because of Fitch's extensive criminal record and the gravity of the charges.

"I can't think of a more dangerous individual," Prokopowicz said.

Theisen granted Prokopowicz's bail request, setting bail at $2.5 million with conditions and $3 million without on the murder charge. She then ordered Fitch held without bail on a probation violation. She turned him over to the Minnesota Department of Corrections so he can serve the remainder of a previous sentence for a burglary.

Fitch is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in Dakota County in connection to the shooting. He's also facing charges in Ramsey County, where he was arrested following a shootout with police. A multi-county grand jury will review the charges and combine the cases in September.

Fitch was shot eight times during his arrest. He underwent at least one surgery, and is now out of the hospital. He will remain in the Oak Park Heights maximum security prison until his next court date.